Tuesday, January 10, 2017

With Clemson's victory over Alabama last night, the Tigers now have the most impressive resume in the nation. Alabama owns wins over the #3, #5, #18, #19, #20 & #21 teams, which would be enough to take #1 in most years. However, Clemson has beaten the #2, #7, #10, #21, #24 and #25 teams. They have thus beaten 3 of the nation's Top 10 teams, and of course, own a head-to-head win over Alabama.We should note that Blue Through and Through is the only ranking in the nation that has had Clemson ranked #1 during the season, not one week, but several weeks. Last night's Clemson win over Alabama was a total shock to every coach and media person who voted Alabama #1 every single week this season.The more-published polls had Navy still ranked at #25 prior to the bowl season despite a 28-14 loss to Air Force and two other losses. The polls made the classic mistake of ranking Navy ahead of South Florida, when South Florida not only had a better record than Navy but beat them on the field. Blue Through and Through did not have Navy ranked for the reasons stated above, and lo and behold, which Top 25 ranking was more accurate regarding Navy?Navy lost to five-loss Louisiana Tech 48-45 in their bowl game. Not only that, but the American proved to be one of the worst conferences in the nation in the bowl season. Similarly, Michigan, with its loss to Florida State, must fall below the Seminoles, as both have the same record. In the SEC, Tennessee has to be ahead of Florida by virtue of a win, and the Gators must be ahead of LSU because of a win over the Tigers.The Pac-12 and the SEC are the biggest beneficiaries of the head-to-head matchups above. Tennessee, Utah and Washington State are all more impressive than Air Force.Because of these rankings, the difference between #2 Ohio State and #3 Washington is now much closer. Both have four Top 25 wins and only one loss to a Top 10 team.

(Note: the rankings are based on logic rather than hype or potential. Teams with the same record are judged by their biggest wins and their losses, if any. Impressive wins over Top 25 teams are more important than other wins, and losses to Top 25 teams hurt far less than other losses.The "Biggest Win" refers to the highest-ranked win; generally, only ranked teams and teams being considered are listed. Sometimes, as in the case of Western Michigan, they don't have a win over teams in these rankings, and it is unknown at this time which of their listed wins is the biggest.)

Wednesday, January 4, 2017

Jay Ajayi, running back of the Dolphins, had 16 carries for 59 yards and 3 receptions for 20 yards in Miami loss to New England. However, the Dolphins are still in the AFC Playoffs.Ryan Clady, starting tackle of the New York Jets, is on the injured reserve list.Kamalei Correa, linebacker for Baltimore, did not playTyrone Crawford, starting defensive tackle for Dallas, did not play.George Iloka, starting safety for Cincinnati, had eight tackles, four of them solo, in Bengal win.DeMarcus Lawrence, defensive end for Dallas, did not play.Charles Leno, tackle for the Bears, saw Chicago lose.Doug Martin, running back for Tampa Bay, did not play after helping his team to a 5-1 record since his return from injury. The Bucs rebounded after a loss last week.Shea McClellin, linebacker for New England, had three tackles, one of them solo, and a fumble recovery to help the Patriots win and build momentum heading into the playoffs.Kellen Moore, quarterback for Dallas, is on the injured reserve list.Reed Odhiambo, the backup left guard for Seattle, saw the Seahawks lose.Matt Paradis, starting center for Denver, played as the Broncos won.Orlando Scandrick, cornerback for Dallas, had three tackles, two of them solo, as the Cowboys lost. Still, Dallas is headed to the NFC Playoffs.Jamar Taylor, starting cornerback for Cleveland, had three solo tackles in Brown loss.Darian Thompson, reserve safety for the New York Giants, is injured.Kyle Wilson, cornerback for New Orleans, is on injured reserve.Billy Winn, backup defensive end with Denver, had one tackle in Bronco win.

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About Me

I have been a fan of Boise State since 1968. In 1975, I won a national Quill & Scroll award for Best Feature Writing. I graduated from Boise State in 1986 with a B.B.A. in Management. Since that time, I have researched and published several articles about the Broncos and have helped to raise $200,000 for the school as well as to sell out season football tickets and various other projects.